Episode Summary

In this episode of Hospitality Bites, host Colleen Silk interviews Kastle Sorensen—mompreneur, Cupcake Wars Champion, and founder of Kastle’s Kreations. From teacher hopeful to baking sensation, Kastle turned her passion into a career that continues to evolve in unexpected ways.

She opens up about balancing single motherhood with business ownership, her innovative creation of lactation cookies for nursing mothers, and how collaboration with other bakers fueled her brand growth. Beyond the kitchen, Kastle expanded into CPG cheesecakes and co-founded Anchorage’s only country bar, Pink Cadillac, creating a space for bootscootin’, community connection, and nonprofit support.

What We Discussed

• Kastle’s struggles with breastfeeding and how that sparked her Milkin' Munchies.
• How Cupcake Wars inspired her career change and eventually led to her being cast on the show
• The importance of teaching her kids about entrepreneurship.
• Growing her CPG Cheesecake Grocery sales throughout the state of Alaska
• Creating inclusive spaces for food, dance, and connection.
• Using business as a tool for community impact.

Takeaways

• Kastle turned a teaching setback into a thriving baking career.
• Winning Cupcake Wars gave her brand a huge boost.
• She navigated the challenges of being a single mom in business.
• Lactation cookies became a major innovation for her community.
• Her cheesecakes grew from local favorites to grocery store shelves.
• Pink Cadillac bar fosters community and supports local nonprofits.
• Her journey shows the power of belief, resilience, and collaboration.

📖 Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Hospitality Bites and Guest Introduction

 01:25 – Kastle's Journey into the Food Industry

 04:16 – The Impact of Cupcake Wars on Kastle's Career

 07:27 – Navigating Motherhood and Business Challenges

 10:13 – Creating Lactation Cookies for Nursing Mothers

 13:44 – Collaboration and Innovation in Cookie Creation

 16:06 – Expanding into Cheesecakes and Wholesale Markets

 20:10 – Transitioning to Grocery Store Sales and Success

 22:56 – Balancing Multiple Business Ventures and New Projects

 23:25 – The Power of Sharing Your Journey

 24:21 – Navigating New Opportunities in Business

 26:00 – Investing in Dreams: Family Support and Growth

 27:44 – From Cupcakes to Country Bars: A Unique Transition

 29:35 – Building Community Through Dance and Connection

 31:46 – Learning the Ropes of Bar Ownership

 33:09 – Creating a Fun and Inclusive Atmosphere

 35:16 – Catering to Diverse Communities

 38:56 – Future Aspirations: Growth and Community Impact

 #HospitalityBites #CupcakeWars #Mompreneur #FoodEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #BakingBusiness #LactationCookies #CommunityMatters #SupportLocal #InspiringStories #ExploreAlaska

🌐Website: kastles-kreations.square.site

📸Facebook: @AKastleskreations

📸Instagram: @pinkcadillacak

About Hospitality Bites:

Hosted by Colleen Silk, Hospitality Bites is an honest and restorative space for voices within the hospitality industry. More than just a podcast, it serves as a storytelling platform for changemakers, risk-takers, and hospitality professionals who are approaching their work in innovative ways. Each episode features guests ranging from chefs to advocates and media personalities, focusing on mental and physical health, personal experiences, and the realities of thriving in the hospitality industry and beyond.

New episodes of Hospitality Bites drop every Monday, now proudly under the Walk-In Talk Media umbrella.

Watch the full episode on YouTube the following week.

Want to get involved or learn more? Visit HospitalityBites.com